An heroic Wokingham soldier killed during a violent firefight in Afghanistan on Saturday has been described as a “true gentleman” by his family.

Capt David Hicks, aged 26, of Tintagel Road, valiantly refused morphine after being mortally wounded in the attack on his base in the Helmand Province, insisting he wanted to return to the combat.

His father Alun said yesterday (Tuesday) his son was “a young, professional officer doing a difficult job in extremely challenging circumstances”.

Mr Hicks and Capt Hicks’ mum Lesley said: “It was a job he wanted to do and he was under no illusions about the dangers he faced.

“He was totally committed both to his role and his fellow soldiers and he fervently believed that he was contributing to building a better world.”

Capt Hicks died just hours after paying tribute to his comrade Pte Tony Rawson, who was killed during a fighting patrol to disrupt enemy activity on Friday.

Capt Hicks, the 70th British military fatality in Afghanistan since conflict began in 2001, had been with partner Nicola Billen since 2006 and the couple had been planning to buy a house in Surrey together after his operational tour in Afghanistan.

Miss Billen said: “He was a loving son, brother of Gareth and Edward and partner, kind-hearted and fun- loving; a true gentleman.”

Capt Hicks served with the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. His patrol base in the volatile area came under attack from small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and indirect fire at 1.20pm local time.

He suffered shrapnel injuries during the attack but refused to take painkilling morphine, telling his fellow troops he was well enough to continue fighting.

An emergency response helicopter took him to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment, but he did not survive his injuries.

Five of Capt Hicks’ colleagues were also injured in the confrontation.